I was using my 30" cut snowblower the other day and had been running it for about 25 minutes when it abruptly stopped while engaging the drive mechanism. Engine just shut down and could not pull start it as rope was locked up. Blower had been running fine, had it serviced towards the end of last season, checked oil, gas and started it a month ago in preparation for winter. Simplicity brand sold by hardware store at some time with a 10hp Tecumseh Snow King motor and 6 speeds. I'm thinking either the engine seized or some gearing in the drive train is fouled up. Any thoughts or input would be appreciated.

Remove the spark plug to see if it can be turned over. There isn't much of a chance that this is a seized gear, sounds like a seized engine which can be a fatal problem for most folks.

Normally if the engine hits an immovable object the flywheel key will sheer and your starter will free spin.

I'll go with the seized engine. Lack pf lubercation and/or engine cooling are the normal causes.

Smell the oil. Does it smell like gasoline?

Oil does not smell like gas. I'll pull the spark plug next time I have some time and check that. I've pricing replacement engines on-line. Can I replace this Tecumseh with a Briggs & Stratton if needed? Thanks.

If the engine is fried you can by a replacement but get the exact model number. Snowblower engines are not lawn mower engines, get a OEM engine

If the engine is fried you can by a replacement but get the exact model number. Snowblower engines are not lawn mower engines, get a OEM engine

Thanks ballengerb1. That sounds like extremely valuable info.

36sundog

Hi,
I agree! Tecumseh has made efforts to make cold weather starting engines and Briggs is only playing catch-up with the Snow King engines. I do not agree with the flywheel key as snow machines use a shear pin on the auger. I am a southern boy but they use those machine to clean stables, chicken coops and the like here.
Peace,
Clarke